Apollonia Pontica was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists from Miletus. The town established itself as a trade and naval centre, and it kept strong political and trade relations with the cities of Ancient Greece.
Its trade influence in the Thracian territories was based on a treaty with the rulers of the Odrysian kingdom dating from the fifth century BC.
The symbol of the town – the anchor, present on all coins minted by Apollonia since the sixth century BC, is proof of the importance of its maritime trade.
Its trade influence in the Thracian territories was based on a treaty with the rulers of the Odrysian kingdom dating from the fifth century BC.
The symbol of the town – the anchor, present on all coins minted by Apollonia since the sixth century BC, is proof of the importance of its maritime trade.
Modern location: Sozopol, Bulgaria
An
AR
Hemidrachm
struck c. 350-300 BC
in
Apollonia Pontica
Obverse: facing head of Medusa
Reverse: anchor flukes up; A / crayfish
Diameter:
12.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.24 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.24 g
No notes for this coin
Apollonia p. 347, 1; SNG BM Black Sea 160-1, SNG Cop. 456ff
An
AR
Diobol
struck 400-300 BC
in
Apollonia Pontica
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo facing
Reverse: anchor upside down; crayfish right; A
Diameter:
10 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.2 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.2 g
No notes for this coin
Topalov Apollonia p. 386, 4; SNG BM 167; SNG Stancomb 41; SNG Cop 459
An
AR
Drachm
struck c. 450-404 BC
in
Apollonia Pontica
Obverse: facing head of Medusa
Reverse: anchor flukes up; A / crayfish
Diameter:
12.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 2.9 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 2.9 g
No notes for this coin
SNG Cop 456; SNG BM 160, SNG Stancomb 37